The Licensing Act 2003 and licence applications

We send all relevant representations to the licence applicant before publishing the panel report. This follows the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005.

The applicant may contact you to discuss your concerns and try to resolve the issues. If you're satisfied with their response, you can withdraw your representation at any time.

You may also be invited to a mediation meeting with the applicant to talk through your concerns.

Hearings

If any representations are made, a hearing will be held.

The Licensing Sub-Committee may:

• grant the licence
• impose additional conditions
• exclude licensable activities
• reject the application

You will be notified of the decision, along with anyone who made relevant representations and the chief of police.

Review hearings

The chief police officer may request a review if the premises are associated with serious crime or disorder. A certificate from a senior officer is required.

A hearing will be held, and all parties may make representations.

The police may also object to a licence transfer if they believe it undermines the crime prevention objective. This must be done within 14 days of notification.

Appeals

Anyone who made relevant representations can appeal against:

• the granting of a licence
• any conditions imposed
• decisions about licensable activities or the DPS

Appeals must be made to a magistrates’ court within 21 days of the decision notice.

If your application is refused, you also have the right to appeal within 21 days.